Danilo Cucchi

Research activity: to investigate the role of DNA Damage in the regulation of PD-L1 expression and its implication in the context of cancer immunotherapy. Perform experiments in the main project related to the regulation of PD-L1 expression in cancer cells upon induction of DNA damage with different damaging agents (Cisplatin, PARP inhibition, Mitomycin C, Hydroxyurea and Irradiation) in order to identify potential mutational signatures that can predict response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade (ICB). Supervise students and help with writing grants and research papers.

Research activity: to investigate the role of metabolism in T cell proliferation, differentiation and effector functions during inflammation. Perform experiments in the main project related to the effect of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA on migratory capabilities and cytoskeletal rearrangements in T cells. Perform experiments of the main project related to the role of the kinase CARKL in T cell functions during inflammation. Perform experiments in the project related to high fat diet-induced biased differentiation of CD4+ T cells. Manage the in vivo colonies. Supervise students and help with writing grants and research papers.

Research activity: to investigate the role of metabolism in T cell proliferation, differentiation and effector functions during inflammation. Perform experiments of the main project related to the role of the kinase CARKL in T cell functions during inflammation. Perform experiments in the project related to high fat diet-induced biased differentiation of CD4+ T cells. Manage the in vivo colonies. Supervise students and help with writing research papers.

Research activity: to study the role of the Sonic Hedgehog pathways in different types of cancer (medulloblastoma, lung, colon and breast cancer). Manage the in vivo colonies and carry out in vivo experiments. Supervise students.

Analysis of the Hedgehog pathway activity in lung cancer stem cells isolated from human patients. Evaluation of the role of Hedgehog pathway in proliferation and survival of lung cancer stem cells and evaluation of the effect of Hedgehog pharmacological inhibition on their tumorigenic ability in vitro and in vivo.